This article first appeared here in Insurance Business Magazine

By Josh Recamara

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Aon's UK work experience initiative reaches more than 1,500students

Programme is designed to widen access to financial careers

Aon plc has passed a milestone in its UK Work Insights Programme, with more than 1,500 students participating since the initiative launched in 2023.

The three-day scheme, aimed at sixth-form students from state schools, is designed to widen access to careers in professional and financial services. In 2024, more than 840 students took part, representing over 290 schools and colleges across England and Scotland. Of those, 46% were eligible for free school meals or sixth-form bursaries, 76% identified as being from an ethnic minority background, and 55% came from outside London.

Participants were hosted at one of Aon’s eight UK offices - Bristol, Birmingham, Chelmsford, Farnborough, London, Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow - where they took part in business workshops, engaged with Aon employees, and completed a group challenge that included structured feedback.

Delivered in partnership with early talent specialist Connectr Early Engagement, the programme is part of Aon’s broader efforts to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups. More than 700 Aon employees across the UK have volunteered to coach, mentor and support students.

Aon reported that 36% of its 2025 apprentice intake will come from alumni of the Work Insights Programme. The firm aims to increase that proportion in future years.

UK CEO Jane Kielty said the programme is having a clear impact, noting that bringing young people into the workplace is helping to raise aspirations and provide the skills and insight needed to pursue careers in the industry. She added that one in 10 Aon employees in the UK has now volunteered with the initiative, supporting the company’s long-term talent strategy and social mobility efforts.

The programme was recognised with two industry awards in 2024. Feedback from students has also been positive, with 91% saying they would recommend the programme to others.

MP Rachel Blake, who visited a session hosted in London,said she welcomed the engagement shown by students and recognised Aon’s efforts to build and maintain a diverse talent pipeline.